FABAFRIQ MAGAZINE - The Illuminate Issue

Editorial Credit:

CEO/PUBLISHER

Adeline Sede kamga

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kingsley Sheteh

EDITORS

Steffi-Verna Mbi Arrey

Shitty Nancy

Jude Anyigbo

EXECUTIVE ADVISOR

Nelson Nkwnekam

Julian Ebai

EDITORIAL

Steffi-Verna Mbi Arrey

Shiti Nancy

Wato Ramses

Cedric Kamgna

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS

Ambe Daniel and Che Joy

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

Fabafriq Media Group

SALES AND ADVERTISING sales@fabafriq.com

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Digitaall UK

WEB ADMIN www.fabafriq.com

Ramses Wato, Nancy Shiti, Steffi Verna

PRINTED BY e Mag Company

DISTRIBUTED BY Select PS

FROM THE PUBLISHER...

(adeline.sede@fabafriq.com)

ALOHA Fabulous People!

Welcome to the Illuminate Edition, where we’ll be shining some truly bright lights across the borders. Super excited to reconnect with you after a few exclusive editions of FabAfriq Magazine, we are back in full gear!

Last month was flooded with conferences on women's equality and emotional discussions on why women need more seats at the table. We’ve however, acknowledged the changes we’ve experienced in the last few years, but there is still room for improvement. Digital innovation and technology have the potential to accelerate gender equality by enabling women to have equal access to opportunities and resources. is is why we totally loved the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of e Woman- "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."

At FabAfriq, Women in leadership initiatives are a big deal, which is why we’ve spent the last 8 years running leadership conferences across West and Central African countries that have inspired thousands of women. We partnered with the Strategic African Women in Leadership team this year to host two phenomenal events that changed the status quo. e theme we explored was how technology and innovation can help bridge the gap in gender equality. We’ve shed some light on pages 6 & 7.

We dedicated this edition to women's movements across the continent and the diaspora, just to say well done on taking control of your businesses, careers, and lifestyle! From Ghana to South Africa and Tunisia through Nigeria, we spotted women who’ve given their all to stand, and "stand out they did". You’ll notice a flood of featured articles and interviews as we dive deep into how these women are making a difference.

Key spotlight on our cover editorial, and this is the FIRST time for us. We went all the way to Algeria, to meet the unstoppable Saida Neghza, who is not only ambitious in developing Algeria but also daring to extend this development by creating a strong partnership with other African countries. We know how disconnected we are as a continent and would love to see a change in that area. Read her full interview on pages 36-39

I am excited to say we’ll be coming to Ghana this year. We need to meet up with you and do the things that make us great. Let us celebrate excellence in people management this October 2023 in Accra and November 2023 in Douala. I am truly excited, and so should you be!

Let me wrap up my note by inviting you to try our special recipe for Nyama choma. I love this East African dish that took the UK by storm a few years ago and still does. While on that section, visit Africa through Abene's lens and take your partner with you. Only make sure you ask the right questions before you jump into a yes because you might just run out of love if not.

Let’s stay Fab!

Adeline Sede Kamga

FABAFRIQ’S 50 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Kate Kanyi TometiHarnaaz SandhuErnestine GwetDjamila FerdjaniBethlehem TilahunOluwatobi AmusanManal RostomYolanda CubaRegina HonuKhanyi Ndhlomo

Isis NyongoFaustina Fynn-NyameDr Yemisi AkinbobolaDambisa MoyoAya ChebbiMs. Angele MakomboThelma KaliuTobi AmusanOry OkollohOsinachi Kalu

Governor in Canada Fatma-Samoura-Carrée Dr Wanjum Kamau-Rutenberg Bonang MathebaAmanda GormanMonique IlboudoJonitha Gugu Msibi Tem Oulimata SarrSaran Kaba Jones

Funmi IyandaFadji MainaDr Senator Rasha KelejCicely tyson

Akosua Dentaa Amoateng Mo AbuduJuliet Ehimuan Founder, African Fashion International Dr Yemisi AkinbobolaTsitsi Dangarembga

First Black Woman Head of state Liberia Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo Dorothy GhettubaBineta DiopAisha YesufuLydia NsekeraWaris Dirie Salima Rhadia Mukansanga Patricia Zoundi YaoYawa Hasen-Quao

How Innovation Drives Change For Gender Equality

Gender equality has been a longstanding issue in society. Despite the progress made towards this goal in recent years, there is still a long way to go. Many people and organisations are working towards achieving gender equality, and one way they are doing so is by using innovation and technology.

Digital innovation and technology have the potential to accelerate gender equality by enabling women to have equal access to opportunities and resources. This article will explore how innovation and technology can be used to promote gender equality. One of the primary ways technology can accelerate gender equality is by providing access to education and training. In many parts of the world, girls are denied access to education,whichlimitstheiropportunitiesin life. However, with the help of technology, girls can access educational materials and coursesonline.Thiscanbeparticularlybeneficial for girls in rural areas or developing countries where access to education is limited. Technology can also provide training in specific skills that can help women advance in their careers, such as coding or digital marketing.

Another way technology can help promote gender equality is by providing access to financial services. In many parts of the world, women are excluded from the formal financial system. This limits their ability to start businesses or invest in their future. However, technology can provide alternative financial services that are accessible to women, such as mobile banking or microfinance. These services can empower women by giving them controlovertheirfinancesandenablingthem to participate in the formal economy.

Technology can also be used to address

gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a pervasive problem in many parts of the world, and women are often the victims. Technology can provide tools for reporting and preventing gender-based violence, such as mobile apps that allow women to report incidents anonymously or online platforms that provide information and support to victims. Technology can also be used to educate people about gender-based violence and promote gender equality more broadly.

Finally, technology can be used to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Many industries are still dominated by men, and women face significant barriers to entry and advancement. However, technology can help level the playing field by providing remote work opportunities, which can be particularly beneficial for women with caregiving responsibilities.

Technologycanalsoprovidetoolsforcollaboration and communication, which can help women overcome the isolation they may feel in male-dominated workplaces.

EXPLORING OUR OPTIONS

Digital innovation and technology have the potential to accelerate gender equality, but it is important to consider the potential risks andchallengesassociatedwiththesetechnologies. One risk is that technology can reinforce existing gender biases and stereotypes. For example, algorithms used in recruitment or credit scoring may be biassed against women, leading to discrimination. It is important to ensure that technology is developed and used in a way that is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

Another challenge is ensuring that women have access to the technology and resources needed to benefit from these innovations. In many parts of the world, women face significantbarrierstoaccessingtechnology,suchas lack of infrastructure or digital literacy. It is important to invest in programs that provide access to technology and digital skills training for women.

Privacy and security are also important concerns when it comes to technology and gender equality. Women may be particularly vulnerable to online harassment or other formsofcybercrime.Itisimportanttoensure that technology is developed and used in a way that protects the privacy and security of women.

In conclusion, innovation and technology havethepotentialtoaccelerategenderequalitybyprovidingaccesstoeducation,financial services, and tools to address gender-based violence. Technology can also promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. However, it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges associated with these technologies, such as bias, access,privacy and security concerns. By addressing these issues, we can harness the power of technology to promote gender equality and create a more just and equitable world.

by Adeline sede kamga

Gender Equality

We support businesses so they can grow faster

African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC)

by Che Joy

In the past, women were marginalised and made to feel inferior to men so much so that they started believing it. A couple of centuries down the line and the African women still had little to nothing to write home about. Gender inequality is the ghost that has haunted the woman for as long as time. 80% of African women are business inclined by default and as a result are pushed to start up businesses which tend to fail 70% of the time because they lack the skill set and network needed to grow their finances and businesses in a world that has been rigged against them. AWEC is an answered prayer for thousands of African women in the entrepreneurial field.

AWEC is primarily aimed at increasing the management and leadership capacities of African women and enabling them to build resilient businesses. The initiative was founded in 2017 as requested by thousands of women who participated in pilot online courses which had previously been organised. Through their applied learning approach, they provide access to an array of educational programs, webinars and other services while fostering a strong community of engaged members and building lasting relationships. In addition, they utilise a digital first approach to ensure that their content is accessible and interactive across various platforms.

Last year, as AWEC approached it 5 year anniversary it announced #ShePowerAfrica, a matching gift challenge campaign to enable and increase the depth andbreadthoftheirimpactonwomenentrepreneurs throughout Africa in honour of the international women’s day 2022. Their goal for this year was to raise 667000 USD by December to increase their services and impact not just in the continent but globally.

AWEC has tremendously grown from an audacious idea into today’s reality; a high-impact, human centred capacity building program designed to

accelerate entrepreneurs across Africa. In a period of just four years, they were able to design an Africa specific, tech-enabled, high-touch business management curriculum to create access and opportunities for women-led businesses across 52 African countries. AWEC equally has an expanded presence on the continent each year, including recently receiving more than 3,500 applications for their next cohort which is a 34% increase in submissions and demonstrating the profound need for capacity building.

They have been able to beat the odds by raising more than 667000 USD in the short span of 4 years courtesy of generous donors and are always open to donations as they look forward to expanding their services and impacts.

Dana Al Mubaidin ADNANI

On The Power of communication On The Power of communication

FM: Tell us a little more about yourself and your background. Did you always have a passion for working in the media industry?

Dana: My name is Dana Al Mubaidin, CEO and Founder of Dabuzz Consulting, a regional business consultancy firm that has rapidly grown into a well-established and leading agency that builds bridges and connects the business innovation and startup ecosystem with business development opportunities in the Middle East and Africa. We offer strategic communication, public affairs,

gender inequalities in the region.

FM: You have quite a lot of achievements under your belt. Tell us about your expertise.

Dana: I am a communications and public relations expert, media, and crisis management trainer with more than twenty years of experience working in corporate affairs in the Arab world and Africa Region. I focus on communications and building partnerships through media and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, I was the Head of Global Communications and Public Affairs for Jumia, and prior to that, I led communications for Uber, Microsoft,Nokia,Dow,andCoca-Colain the MEA Region and sat on their regional leadership teams.

Throughout my career, I have been a designated member of many crisis management teams as well as an in-house media trainer. I worked with a good number of international and local NGOs, government officials, and many leading global and regional agencies. I hold a Master's in Arts and Communications from the USA and live in Morocco with my husband and three kids.

I have the knowledge, a strong network, and experience in tech, e-commerce, e-delivery, and sharing economies. My firm supports businesses and startups with their strategic planning, communications, marketing, and global expansion projects by availing of a myriadofservices,suchasreputation management, issue management, public speaking, and media training.

response to changing circumstances.

In particular, professionals should keep a close eye on emerging social media platforms as well as trends in content marketing and influencer marketing. Additionally, they should stay informed on the latest developments in data privacy and security, and be prepared to adjust their strategies and tactics accordingly. Finally, it's important to maintain a strong focus on building relationships and fostering authentic engagement with key stakeholders, while always keeping the needs and interests of the audience at the forefront.

FM: Pricing is one of the most challenging things to do when running a business and women are mostly on the low-pay radar. How do you map your pricing and ensure you get paid for the services you offer knowing it might get challenging?

Dana: We try to focus on what value we can add rather than how. So, we charge based on our value. The key to determining pricing strategy is to focus on the value of the solution being offered to the client rather than the time or cost to produce it. Customers value things differently, so it's important to understand their specific needs or problem and offer a clear solution that provides value. Pricing should be based on the solution rather than the provider, and businesses should focus on finding clients who need their solution rather than adapting to meet the needs of individual clients.

tions industry.

FM: What advice would you give to young women who have a passion for the industry but find themselves underrepresented or discouraged?

Dana: To young women who have a passion for the PR and communications industry but find themselves underrepresented or discouraged, I would advise them to stay focused on their goals and to seek out supportive networks and mentors. It's important to remember that diversity and inclusion are crucial for the success and growth of any industry and that your unique perspective and experience can bring valuable insights to the table.

Besides, I would encourage young women to prioritize their own professional development, to seek out learning opportunities, and continuously build their skills and expertise. Finally, it's important to maintain a positive attitude and to stay resilient in the face of obstacles, recognizing that persistence and determination are keys to achieving success in any field.

FM: What are some of the most successful achievements you have recorded for your business?

The public relations and communications workforce is mainly female worldwide. However, with the feminization of the field, there are counter-effects that need reflection and action. Such effects include gendered perceptions that lead to pay discrepancies, career progression barriers, and the reduction of the talent pool.

Despite the increase in popularity and demand for communication specialists and access to PR education, men still occupy top management and board positions. We believe that we have proven to be the right PR and PA advisory partnerforallofourclients.These coming few years will be a critical time to harvest the hard work that was put in and the foundation that we have managed to build together within the media and corporate spheres, and to support you and your growth plans. The team feels like part of our clients’ extended families, supporting them in your future success in the region. We believe their success depends on a PR approach synchronized with active PA activity, qualitative exposure of social impact efforts, and a content strategy that builds the local identity in partnership with all stakeholders.

and media advisory services to individuals, governments, multinational businesses, and regional and local clients.

In addition, I am a passionate advocate for leadership development, young talent development, and gender balance programs. I led the #WomeninTech and #SocialImpact initiatives as well as the Diversity and Inclusion programatJumia.Currently, Iam an ambassador for the Women In Africa Initiative, a member of WAN, and a founding member of the Al Sahm Women Network, which aims to help eliminate

Member of: Advisor of Al Sahm Women Network; Women Advancement Network WAN & Ambassador for WIA Women in Africa Initiative; AMCHAM Morocco CAS Board Communication Committee; MEPRA Member

FM: PR & communications is growing fast in the digital age; what should professionals look out for?

Dana: As PR and communications continue to grow in the digital age, professionals must be aware of the constantly evolving landscape of digital media and technology. It's importanttostayuptodateonthe latest trends, platforms, and tools and to be agile and adaptable in

FM: What challenges do you feel you may be facing in the coming years with your role and business?

Dana: In the coming years, I anticipate that we may face challenges such as keeping up with fast technological advancements, maintaining relevance in a crowded market, adapting to changing consumer behavior and preferences, and navigating evolving regulatory and legal landscapes. However, I believe that by staying agile, innovative, and focused on building strong relationships with our clients and stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in the PR and communica-

Hilmag

we had our annual world conference in Estonia in 2019. We had just recently gotten married so my husband and I decided we were goingtoattendtheconferenceand also use the trip as an opportunity for a mini honeymoon, because, why not? During the trip, I had the privilege of meeting many young people from all over the world running their own businesses—and sustainable businesses, for that matter. Surprisingly, this trip gave me that much-needed energy, so, when we came back, I resigned and started working on Hilsmag. I already had a passion for cleaning but also for assisting women from marginalised communities, so I decided to merge those two passions into Hilsmag. An organisation that creates clean environmentsthroughtrainedand professional female cleaners.

The challenges and solutions

Hilary Mukwenha shares her inspiring story on how and why she started her business Hilmag, a housekeeping solutions company that focuses on providing premium house staff, cleaning services, and training. We’ve featured women inspiring the next generation of female leaders, and Hillary was one of our Top Ten. Environmental issues are becoming a concern across the globe, so businesses that address community issues on this front should be applauded. We sat down on a one-on-one chat with her to find out more, and here is our take home!

Tell us the story behind your business, your vision, and some of the things that keep your business relevant.

Wearelivinginatimewherethere is an increasing need for a clean and sanitary environment, yet there is less time for families and businesses to devote to ensuring that this environment is achieved. This gap between what is needed and the resources that can be devoted to it is one that Hilsmag seeks to close.

In 2018, I was a member of Junior Chamber International (JCI), and

As entrepreneurs, we sometimes are so passionate about our idea that we don’t spend enough time doing environmental strategic analysis prior to launching the product or service so that it is tailor-made to suit the intended clientele and environment. So the challenge comes when there are gaps between when you launch, when you are correcting mistakes, and when you start making a profit from the business and you don’t have that much-needed runway. We have now put research at the centre of our operations, and we also have a continuous feedback culture with our clientele, which informs us on how to best improve our services. The social responsibilities that women have are often overlooked, even by the women themselves. I am married with four children who still need so much of my attention, and sometimes it’s a challenge to juggle between building a business and being a mom. People do not often see this as a challenge, but its presence is very real, so every day there needs to be a conscious decision about what you are going to choose to prioritise and also manage your time very well so that each aspect of your life gets the attention it deserves. I have managed to structuremylifetoensurethatallparts of it are complementary and fit into each other.

How she gives back to the community and plays a major role in it

in Africa—more of the big women-led cooperatives providing fellowship programs to women-owned businesses. I currently love and appreciate what WIA is doing with the Mentorship by Deloitte programme and I think there should be more of such programmes and opportunities across Africa. Currently, I am part of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative Cohort 5, and it has certainly helped me push my business forward.

African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative: taking the lead and how it helped Hillary

AWEC has been God-sent! The biggest gain has been the structures I have been able to put in place in each department or intend to put in place when the departments are set up. All the modules have been so practical, particularly the Sales Pipeline template, which has helped me easily track if I am going to meet my monthly targets or not. AWEC has provided that much-needed clarity that any business owner needs, and meeting so many women in business across Africa has been a plus!

Hilsmag’s vision is to grow across the region in the next 3 to 5 years. I have managed to establish relationships with women in the countries we intend to grow into, which has been so beneficial in terms of knowing more about those countries.

To conclude, I will speak particularly to the aspiring female entrepreneur. The world is your oyster. You can do anything you set out to achieve through persistence and focus. Some very practical advice thatIwillgivetosomeonewanting to start their business is to become an expert in that area by reading widely—newspapers, business books, memoires—follow the captains of industry and see how they have built their businesses and note key lessons. I believe in planning ahead, so set up structures around you that will help you achieve your goals. Surround yourself with people who push you to think differently, support your dreams, and challenge you at the same time to keep growing. Personal development is gold and will impact your business, so daily introspection to assess areas in your life that you need to work on should be a habit.

The reason I love my business so much and wake up every day really excited about it is because we give back to the community through all the day-to-day tasks. A job completed is a family fed; a contract won is a family assured of sustenance on their table for the duration of the contract. Through each job, there is also the promotion of good health and well-being for those who stay or work in those environments.

Wehavealsotakenstepstoensure that we use eco-friendly chemicals, although this is an area we will only have 100% control of when we start manufacturing our own detergents and equipment. We are slowly contributing towards the goal of sustainable cities and communities.

Why women should be encouraged to do more

I think firstly, women entrepreneurs need to support each other through skill sharing and network sharing. There needs to be more organisations that also provide structured mentorship programs

Will Leave It Spick N’ Span

Corporate Women In Leadership

How to create high-value strategies for career growth

A day is not enough! Women should be celebrated every day for being able to hold down the fort and constantly striving to come out on top against all odds. Since the dawn of time, gender disparity has plagued our society nonstop. In the past, men had been known to hunt for food, while the female catered to the home. The modern day woman with an adventurous spiritandathirstforgreatnesshas created her own path and raised her voice through empowerment platforms such as Corporate Women in Leadership. Alpha women is what we have chosen to call them, but then again, they are known as women of valour, women who strive!

The need to close the gender disparity is becoming even more urgent. The Sustainable Develop ment Agenda, adopted by UN Member States in 2015, set a 2030 deadline for the achievement of gender equality and the empower ment of all women and girls. Now, with under 10 years left to meet it, the world is not on track. Corpo rate, government, and individual actors should make efforts at their respective levels to help achieve this goal.

As an initiative of Fabafriq Media Group, the Corporate Women in Leadership Summit is geared towards raising women to their full potential. It gathers corporate women from all walks of life to share their experiences as well as strategies that have gotten them where they are today, lending

them a platform to interact, network, and grow. Working in accordance with the popular saying ‘UBUNTU’ (I am, because you are), the Corporate Women in Leadership network has been shaping and lifting career women for seven years. In the last seven years, the Corporate Women in Leadership Summit has hosted inspiring women in leadership conferences in different parts of Africa.

Both initiatives have summits that are facilitated by self-achieving, A-list speakers with diverse ways of thinking, who tackle prominent problems faced by women in the corporate environment and have a certain level of respect in businesses. "The goal is to work in three simple steps.

Foje Jency, making bold fashions statements on the catwalk and with her Knitwears! You are beautiful, so wear Awobong by Foje Jency

Vlisco’s Fashion stories that melt our heart

Shade & Nafi: Mother, daughter and business

A daughter is God’s way of saying ‘I thought you could use a long time friend’. From best friends to partners, this mother-daughter duo caught our attention and kept us hostage.

Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother “I literally learned fashion from my mother. She is my cornerstone in that sense. And having her by my side in this adventure has helped me trust myself and fight for my ideas.”-Shade reveals in an interview about her mom, best friend and business partner Nafi.

The talent behind Bold Romantics

When fashion meets art. Fashion designers Ezekiel Yartel, Lumière, Sadia Sanusi and artists Ebenezer Mensah and Heavy Jearus create a masterpiece which can only be described as magical on their beautiful muse- Anita Erskine for the Bold Romantics campaign.

“Determined to make a mark on every woman’s heart with creativity”-Ezekiel Yartel.

The Unforgetable Bride

What better way to be an unforgettable bride than to wear the fabrics that speak a thousand words? Designers Elie Kuame, Stylista and Toju Foyeh in partnership with Glam Africa are letting brides write their own stories. To walk down the aisle and be remembered and not conform to the traditions of the white wedding as society sees fit.

Selena Bebaako

From Ghana to The World

SelinaBebisamultiple award-winning made in Ghana fashion brand, that specialises in top of the range African accessories for men, women and children. The brand in 2019 introduced its Ready-to-Wear clothing line for women and men at their flagship shop in Osu, Accra. Selina Beb produces amazing bags, trendy outfits, comfortable footwear, beautiful jewellery and modern accessories. Apart from being a Creative Director, she also offers styling services for individual photoshoots and other campaigns.

What inspired you to be a fashion designer? What motivated you to create ‘’Selina Beb’’?

Well, I will say my deep passion for fashion, especially accessories inspired me to start SELINA BEB in 2012. I was also inspired by the young designers at the time like Christie Brown and Duaba Serwaa who were making clothes with African prints. As a trained Journalist, my experience with hosting programs on air helped me whenever I am invited for speaking engagements. Eventually, people fell in love with what I did and started inviting me to host their events. As time went by, my love for fashion made me venture into that and it has been a great journey so far.

Tell us about the different fashion events and/or other events that you participated in Africa and also outside of Africa?

The brand has participated in

numerous exhibitions and fashion shows including GUBA expo 2014 and 2016 in the UK, Africa Fashion Week, London 2015 and Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020, New Orleans Fashion Week, 2018.

What has been your greatest achievement in your career as fashion designer?

My greatest achievement in my career has been running Selina Beb for 10 years. Also, another huge milestone for the brand is receiving Global recognition when the brand was listed on Beyonce’s ‘Black Parade’ Directory, an initiative to support black owned businesses worldwide and being selected by the US embassy to represent Ghana at the Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme which was sponsored by the US government.

What would you like to see change in Africa and more especially the Ghanaian entrepreneurship environment?

One thing that is on my heart that I would like to see change especially in the Ghanaian entrepreneurship environment is trading across other African countries. I want to be able to ship and trade with other African countries so together we can build the Africa we want. But that currently is a challenge which I hope can be solved through the Acfta.

How do you manage your professional life and family life?

I do have a busy schedule because I handle a huge part of the business. From conceptualizing the designs and discussing that with the artisans and liaising with them to make sure the job is done. Although I have other people who handle other aspects of the business, there is a lot I commit to, to make sure my customers are happy when they purchase a Selina Beb piece. That said, I make time to also spend quality and memorable moments with my family. My Dad and Siblings are very dear to me.

Apart from your professional activities, what are your hobbies and your favorite dishes?

My hobbies include inspiring and speaking to young people, traveling, fashion, tennis, listening to music and anything entertainment. And when it comes to food, I enjoy Fufu and Goat light Soup (a Ghanaian local dish).

Ramses Wato for FabAfriq Magazine

Selina Bebaako, @ Selena Beb, Shares Her Passion For Fashion

Zainab Aliyu

supportive spouse and household systems/structures/care that allows them to follow their career/dreams and achieve work-life balance. It takes a village after all!

We need to smash stereotypes/cultural barriers/patriarchal/societal expectations of not being as valued as a male, deprived of qualityeducationasshe’sonlygoingto marry off, and be deprived of opportunities. So promoting their rights, promoting gender equality will help create a more inclusive society. Women need to be equipped with funding, training (technical and soft skills) and mentorship opportunities (to provide guidance and accountability) to start and succeed in their business, then watch them SOAR!

You have been a mentee on the Awec platform, how would you describe this?

Beautiful Art Of Leather-Ing With AABOUX

Zainab is a top of the line award winning designer of Nigerian origin who specialises in the making of top tier leather bags. With a knack for creativity and a drive for success, she has put Nigerian fashion at the centre of the fashion world after debuting during the New York fashion Week in 2023.

Thank you for granting us this interview. Tell us why you started your business. What gap are you filling?

I had worked in the corporate worldasaFinanceProfessionalfor well over a decade and across five continents, and was looking for

more than the daily grind. I had alwaysbeeninspiredbymysisters who were creatives in their fields of fashion and graphic & UX design. I yearned for my own creative streak and purpose to manifest.

I stumbled across Leather craftsmanship in Nigeria after taking a friend to a local crafts market to get gifts for her return to the UK in 2017. I was impressed with the creativity that I saw, but after searching for styles, I couldn’t find any that were to my taste and standards of finishing. I then surprisingly sketched, designed and created my first two leather handbags. It was super exciting to

discover my creative side, which felt natural, fulfilling, thrilling and stirred a fire in me!

With a creative flair, a passion to make a difference in my community and support causes I was passionate about, to leave a legacy and to be a part of changing the narrative on African products, AABOUX was birthed in 2017 and business commenced just over a year later in 2018, by 2020 I resigned from my high-flying job to focus on my passion full-time. AABOUX is a family pet name my mum fondly called me.

From the onset, I was very clear about wanting to build a global

My time at AWEC has been nothing short of amazing!! It has been sobeneficialandqualitative-from the reading materials, live sessions speakers, the assignments that challenge you and make you dig-deep, the peer reviews and peer sessions of contributing and learning from another, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. In addition the SUMMITs and networking sessions have been fantastic. Seeing previous cohort members scale their businesses and achieve so much is inspiring and motivating.

There has been a lot of learning, unlearning and re-learning! A lot of eye-opening moments, A-HA moments,reflectionsanddeveloping action plans for how to proceedgoingforward. Iamsuper appreciative of this opportunity, accountability and the community. I would urge you to definitely apply and give it 100% to derive maximum benefits. The whole experience has been PRICELESS!

Thanks for sharing your story with us, any last words?

Thank you so much for spotlighting women business owners. Any woman out there who has dreams, believe in yourself, remember your why, research, prepare and start!Yourdreamsarevalid!Don’t over-think, don’t wait for things to be “perfect”, just dip your toes in the water and start small. Many drops make a mighty ocean

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How she Connects African Businesses

Saïda Neghza

is why I work countless hours to ensure we continue to change the narratives. I am persistent and I don't like to put off today's work for tomorrow.

How does a typical day unfold in the life of Saida Neghza?

A typical day starts with checking the news, then a few phone calls and a visit to the headquarters of my company Soralcof. After that, I leave for the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises. I am regularly in contact with the Secretary General of Business Africa Organisation, based in Nairobi/Kenya, which I have the honor of chairing for two consecutive terms.

What triggered the creation of SARL SORALCOF and how has the process unfolded so far?

After trying my hands at packaging and marketing coffee and then importing tyres, I launched myself into the public works sector, a sector which my country was lagging behind, particularly in construction. That's how I created the Soralcof SARL, which underwent great development, particularly with the acquisition of sand and marble quarries and the investment in the purchase of trucks and other machinery.

Women entrepreneurs are on the rise! How did you get into the industry?

helps me a lot in terms of knowledge of the market and its evolution. It remains obvious that it is necessary to establish a proper watch within the company to be able to make the appropriate decisions in relation to the present situations.

As President of the CGEA, what do you see as the main objective of the association?

The CGEA is a citizen association with a trade union character

advocacies towards the Government for the economic growth of the country.

TheWilayabrancheswerecreated with the sole purpose of promoting women entrepreneurs. Would you say that you have succeeded in achieving your goal?

When I arrived at the head of the CGEA in 2016, there were Wilaya officeswherewomenwerenon-existent, and it was then that I had

by Steffi Verna

Saïda Neghza is the President of the General Confederation of Algerian Enterprises through Business Africa (54 countries) and Managing Director of SORALCOF Algeria Group. She is also the President of Business Africa since June 2019, and a founding member of Business Med, an organisation bringing together the employers' confederations of the 19 Mediterranean countries, which she chaired from 2017 to 2020. She has overseen the creation of offices in the Wilayas dedicated to the support and promotion of women entrepreneurs.

She is a full member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the African representation in the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Saida's work focuses on sustainable development and promotes social dialogue, women's rights, and the right to work. She also focus on the place of women in society, children'srights,decentwork,and the creation of a healthy business climate. It mobilizes around the world to demand concrete responses from governments to the problems of African youth.

Enjoy our conversation with Saida Neghza, and follow her exciting and inspiring story as she changes the narratives while defying the odds that come with working in the field of entrepreneurship and paving the way for women entrepreneurs.

FM: We have been looking forward to this interview, tell us about Saida Neghza.

I am a mother of four children, three boys and a girl, all grown up. I’ve always had a propensity for freedom and free enterprise, that

It was a long process and a logical outcome in relation to the effort made by the country in terms of literacy, education, university training and vocational training. The female gender takes advan tageofthisevolutionandtheprog ress that the country has experi enced, to start and create their own business. It should be men tioned that the country has creat ed incentive mechanisms similar to funding through ANGEM and the former ANSEJ, currently ANADE.

The dynamics of the business are alwayschanging.Howdoyoukeep track of the different factors that constantly affect your business?

The dynamics are changing,and It is true that my role as President of the oldest employer representa tion in Algeria, namely the CGEA,

cannot be satisfied with the work accomplished, I wish to continue opening women offices and set up a platform for the orientation and support of women, particularly in terms of financing.

Balance is a topic of conversa tion among women. How do you manage to hold on at home while juggling your duties as CEO of SARL SORALCOF and President of CGEA?

It is true that my various missions are demanding but I absolutely reserve Fridays for the house. I take the opportunity to cook and talk with my family and my loved ones. For Ramadan, I prepare the bread and the main meal myself. Let me use this opportunity to

Wish a happy Ramadan Kareem to all Algerians and Muslims around the world.

What is the most important advice you would give to women in the field of entrepreneurship?

Women entrepreneurs must be courageous and patient. When I first entered a construction site in Ouargla, I was not accepted but my perseverance and commitment paid off. I had difficulties with the payment of bills, but when the project owner saw the pace of work and the rate of progress, he ordered payment as a matter of urgency and that's how I was able to complete the project on time. So, have no hesitations and I welcome you to the exciting adventure of entrepreneurship.

Saïda Neghza

How To Resign In Style

article on career progression published in Fabafriq Magazine issue 13, then you might have to do that asap. It is always about the next step and the next level and exiting is the next level. It might notbeinrightnowbutmightbein years to come. Now do not get me wrong, exiting your job does not only refer to leaving the company, itcouldbethatanditcouldsimply meanmovingtoanewdepartment or doing something different for the company. Either way, you

One thing is very clear, people need to move to make the world go round and to give opportunities to others. If you’ve been in the same role for 5 years, then there is a problem with your growth that you need to figure out. It is like an old favourite dress, right? Someday it will have to go no matter how flattering it soothes you. You, however, have to know when to move. just because you feel like you’ve been there too long doesn’t mean it’s the right time. Remember,youarethestaroftheshowso everything has to be in your

You need to be sure you’re making the right decision at the moment. Are you sure that leaving that job at that point in time is the right thing to do? Do a pro and con list. Sometimes your frustration with your job might simply be fatigue or lack of communication with yourself or management. It is not uncommon to feel unfulfilled or overwhelmed, it comes with the workload but rather than quitting, taking a work leave, or talking to your superiors or someone in the same workspace as you, seeking counseling might be what you need to re-align.

Until you have a solid plan, and I’m not talking about future plans or a plan B, I’d advise you to hold on to that job for a little longer. Until you have an offer that outweighs your current job or a business plan which is already in progress you might want to think twice before tabling in your resignation letter. The aim is to grow and achieve financial independence, so be thirsty, not hasty.

Adeline Sede Kamga by

Professionalism is required at all times. A resignation letter should be sent to the higher-ups who might either be the human resource team or the boss depending on the work setting. Give a reason why you are leaving, just in case you need feedback. You have to be clear and direct in the meeting. You can’t wake up and leave when you feel like it; it’s not a playground or a park. Also, when resigning, the first person who should be privy to this information are the ones paying you before any colleague, remember word of mouth spreads like wildfire and you don’t want your boss getting wind of your resignation from another mouth.

Your intentions should be made known ad your notice period served depending on your current position. In some cases, you might be the best person to find someone to replace you, knowing you share the same professional social spaces with other professionals and might know who can best replace you. Do a proper handover and ensure everything is written down and shared with management for follow-up. Close as many pending projects as possible to make and remember not to take any new projects you can’t deliver before you go.

No matter the reason, make sure you leave on a good note and maintain a good relationship with your employers at all times so that there’s always room for you if and when you decide to return.

Working Mom’s

Working, Parenting & Surviving

What does it mean to be a working mother in today’s world?

How a working mother raises strong children and manages to juggle it with business is what I consider as the ultimate superpower. It takes a lot of guts and determination in this era to hold up these two badges. The responsibility that comes with parenting is already a lot to bear yet, these strong and resilient women are able to handle this relentlessly. It must take a lot of surrender and firmness to be able to have adequate control over this.

Working mothers face many struggles. This often hits most women way too hard that some end up suspending work and others forget about their jobs, their passion and even themselves just to focus on their family and children especially. If you are a working mother reading this, you can consent to the fact that there is a certain feeling of guilt that clouds your chest every time you have been too busy to spend time with your

children or being unable to prepare a very good meal for them. This is a natural feeling and it comes because you love your family.

The social status quo however is unfair to working mothers. Their expectationsofthesewomencompletelydiminishestheexistenceof the women’s triple role circle. It excludesthefactthatwomenhave productive, reproductive, and domestic roles, which they are responsible for which leads to existing inequalities in corporate environments.Inacaselikethis,a non-pregnant worker is preferred over a pregnant or parenting mother.

It is most strenuous for working

moms especially when they do not have supportive partners by their side. Having a partner who supports you with parenting becausetheyunderstanditistheir duty is precious because they take on the weight of childcare with you. Unfortunately, some women do not have supportive partners or no partner at all. They put in a lot of work by themselves to make sure they at least have what can be regarded as a balance between work and family.

Today, we want you to know that you are doing great. How many mothers do you think are working as you do? We encourage you to keep on seeking for as much as you desire to have, be, and feel. Today, we celebrate your efforts and hard work toward setting a great example and paving the way. Remember that as you are strong, you are a superhero, you are also fragile,andyouneedtotreatyourself tenderly. Do not beat yourself to burning.

YOU ARE DOING JUST GREAT.

by Steffi Verna

Alopecia

Embracing the baldness with Boldness

by Shiti Nancy

My biggest insecurity while growing up was being born with spot baldness; having no edges was not something my younger self could deal with and if I am being completely honest, my older self is still trying to get acquainted with this notion. Spot baldness is no strangertoAfricansociety,insomeparts of Africa, it is called ‘BAMBA’ a conditionthatiscommonwiththe middle-aged population.

The first time I heard about alopecia was after the 2022 Oscar Awards when Chris Rock in passing joked about Jada Pinkett being bald and getting sucker punched by her husband; Will Smith, on live television. Thinking it was some terminal disease or cancer I rushed to google to get some insights and found out it was just a fancy name for a common plague, one that I was all too familiar with.

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, a condition that may be brought about by severe stress. It is the sudden loss of hair that starts with one or more circular patches that may overlap with time. Alopecia has been said to affect about 2% of the world’s population and unfortunately for me, I am among the 2% living with this condition.

People who suffer from alopecia tend to hide their condition behind wigs, caps, or just shave off their hair and who can blame them; the feeling isn’t pleasant and neither are the questioning stares or snide remarks that are meant to come off as consolation. Alopecia is not reserved for the poor and unpopular. Stars like TyraBanks,JesyNelson,andViola Davis have opened up about their struggles with Alopecia and how difficult it was for them to keep it together.

However, it is admirable how Jada Pinkett is taking alopecia in strides, sharing her experiences and hardships, embracing rather than hiding. She shares her experiences with others so that people out there suffering from the same thing know they’re not alone.

The problem with Africans having alopecia is the level of ignorance that ensues. Most Africans tend to think alopecia is some sort of deficiency gotten from birth. You might have heard funny stories of

how the hair was either eaten by rats or licked by wall geckos. After doing research, it's safe to say this disease has no fear or consideration for age, it comes when it pleases and goes the same way.

Unfortunately, Alopecia doesn’t have a cure as of now although some suggestions could be made by doctors to speed up hair growth.Themostcommonformof alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system. These are mostly administered through local injections, topical ointment applications, or orally. Although these may help with hair growth, they cannot prevent the formation of new bald patches.

After trying some of these remedies to no avail, and watching Jada Pinkette own her bald look like nobody’s business, I decided to go bald. On most days, I love it. I still get envious when I see ladies with new braids or cute afros but I decided to own my condition and make the most of it. I love how I feel the breeze on my head and howIgetheadsturningeverytime I walk into a building with my balding look(dandruff free might I add), hot red lipstick, and kinky pair of stilettos and I won’t have it any other way.

My seborrheic dermatitis story.

by Elomo Mokwe Jemea

Thiscondition stolethebestparts of my teenage years; the constant bullying, lack of confidence and very low self- esteem. The condition seemed to go and come periodically and since I had absolutelynounderstandingofit,Ijust continued to live my life regardless.

So what exactly is seborrheic dermatitis? According to Mayo Clinic; Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.

To put in other terms, our bodies produce sebum on these parts on a regular basis, but with seborrheic dermatitis, the body over produces the sebum which meets with the bacteria on your skin. There is a reaction and it causes inflammation on these parts of the skin referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

People always say that beauty lies beneath the skin. That could be true, but suffering from a skin condition can have a huge negative impact on your self-esteem. When I was younger, I tried every topical ointment to no avail. At the time, It wasn’t as severe therefore going to see a doctor wasn’t of utmost importance but as I grew older the need to see a doctor for my ‘mystery’ skin condition also grew. Before I go further let me elaborate more on my symptoms and how I have been able to manage them throughout the years.

First of all I had a very dry scalp, dandruff as you may call it. But this wasn’t ordinary dandruff. It was excessive. Itchy and sometimes left me with sores. It doesn't matter if I wash my hair every two days, my scalp will still be extra dry with lots of scaly flakes. I could hardly have my hair braided foroveraweekandyoumightask, why not put some hair oil? Well I did, but it only made it worse. Relaxing my hair was never fun as the sores I got from the itching made the chemical on my hair a thousand times more painful than usual. Every hair salon I visited knew my wailing and crying, I even remember one hair dresser told me she wasn’t sure if I would beabletogothroughlabortohave a baby as she considered my crying exaggerated. Looking back now, I don’t blame them. With my condition, I had no business

down to my face, ears and some other parts of my body. If I am very honest, I had more problems with the ones on my face. I could cover the other parts of my skin including my scalp, but my face was left open to the states and insults of the world. Just like me, they didn’t know my condition and many associated it with being dirty.

Seborrheic dermatitis can start at any time in life and it affects men, women and even babies. In babies, it is called the cradle cap and found on the scalp of the baby. The exact cause of this condition is not yet known; it ranges from mild to severe.

Gettingmydiagnosisreallyhelped me 2 make informed decisions in reducing my symptoms thus increasing my quality of life. This has put me in a better place to share my story so that other people suffering from this condition can put a name to it and from my experience, they can learn to manage their symptoms. Seek medical attention if you have any of the symptoms mentioned.

Starting with my diet, I realized that certain foods such as gluten found in wheat and sugar make my symptoms worse. It is not always easy to cut out certain foods from your diet that you have been eating almost all your life. However difficult, I stay away from these foods as much as I can. Reducing my stress levels also helps my symptoms. With mindful meditations and physical exercises, I keep my stress level to a minimum as much as I can.

Staying away from chemicals on my hair has also improved my symptoms as I don’t get to make my scalp go through so much. Luckily for me, there are tons of natural hair products that can be used to carter for my hair.

I also do take my supplements like vitamin D religiously and probiotics which have also helped to balance up my gut bacteria. Please make sure you consult with your physician before taking any supplements.

Using antifungal shampoo has also helped me reduce itchiness and inflammation on my scalp.

Constant exposure to sunlight has also helped to clear up my face especially during the cold winter months where symptoms turn to be severe. Remember to always wear your sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Be kind to yourself, your skin condition doesn’t define you. Take your symptoms seriously and visit adermatologistassoonaspossible to get a diagnosis which will help you manage your symptoms.

It’s The Print

ising in Microbiology.

At some point, I decided to follow mypassionfortheartsanddesign. I studied BA (Interior Design) at the Design School South Africa.

Part of the inspiration was to set an example for my two daughters and the girl child to follow their dreams... Dream wild, pursue excellence, and realise your dreams.

I am an avid traveller who has extensively explored the African continent. These travels have inspired me to create spaces that are audaciously different,with an African influence. Additionally, I design and print wallpaper and other wall coverings using our own company-owned large-format printers. Myexperienceisinvisualcommunication, using interior design and graphics to tell a story about a

Digital technologies are also enabling collaborative work to be done between coworkers as well as between clients and service providers. The exciting thing is the creation of virtual and augmented reality. Artists and designers are able to create immersive experiences that engageviewersinnewandimpres sive ways.

Hard to put a price tag on quali ty! Tell us more about pricing, women, and business.

Pricing can be a difficult challenge for many businesses, and it can be especially challenging for women who may face gender-based pay gaps. Women need to understand the value they bring with their services and price their services based on the value they provide to their clients. We need to be confi dent and not undervalue our servicesand,inreturn,chargeless than what we're worth.

African inspired prints to design wallpapers that speak to us!

We caught up with Kgomotso and got really personal. She has inspired many, yet many crave more. MoTSO DeSIGNED is a 100% black female-owned visual communicationcompanythatwas founded in 2016 to provide contemporary Africa-inspired interior design and wallpaper. Graphics and accessories are used to honour the diversity and soulfulness of Africa.

Share! Share! Tell us more about the brand, the person, and the

I am the founder and creative director at MoTSO DeSIGNED Interiors, an interior design com pany that specialises in Africa-in spired interior design and was established in 2016.

My passion for art and design started at an early age, but as a young girl, for some reason, I’d convinced myself that art was not for females. Every artist I knew wasaman.Ipursuedthesciences, studied, and qualified as a Biomedical Technologist special

To get a client’s buy-in, I first endeavour to understand my client's needs and pain points and always create solutions (design spaces or products) that solve that problem.

We provide high-quality customer service to our clients to build a positive reputation; I believe this is the single most important reason for the high rate of repeat customers we get.

My motto is "feel something, then create work that will evoke that feeling as well."

With our work, we want people to be excited to be in the spaces we create. We want to make your heart smile. It's all about you. You tell us what you want the space to make you feel and think, and then we create that for you.

Art and design seem to be grow ing fast in this digital age; what should people in the field look

Art and design are growing rapidly inthedigitalage.Whattechnology has helped us with currently is customization and personalisa tion. Technology is aiding us in creating highly customised and personalised artwork for our clients.

Also,havingapricingstrategythat is clearly communicated to clients helps build trust, and ensures that clients understand the value they

Book Review Movie Review

The Woman King

This whole book was beautifully written.

You should definitely read this book. It is a short book, so it’s not going to take forever to read, and it has so much information. Feminism is an important topic that we shouldalllearnabout,andreading this book and getting informed on it is how we can start.

Youmightbewonderingwhyfeminists only focused solely on the equality of females and genders, but these pages by Ngozi made perfectsense.Ifyoudon'tfocuson one issue, you'll lose your identity or the sole reason you've fought. Yes, female rights are human rights, but these rights have been oppressed for ages. And it's now time to highlight aspects of it that bring light to issues many face all over the world.

"This type of question is a way of silencing a person’s specific experiences. Of course I am a human being, but there are particular things that happen to me in the world because I am a woman."

We Should All Be Feminists

A large, bulging, show-off spectacle of a movie, muscular in its actionsequencesandexpansivein scale. The Woman King is the type of historical epic that is simply no longer produced. It's also a previously unproduced movie with a fantastic cast that is largely made up of black women. Gina Prince-Bythewood doesn't precisely reinvent the action movie's cinematic language—many aspects of her strategy will seem familiar—but she does reclaim and revitalise it.

The movie centres on the kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most influential nations in West Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is loosely based on actual historical events. The Agojie, an all-female army commanded by a fearsome general named Nanisca, is guarding the King (John Boyega) and his large fortune (a

magnificent, battle-weary Viola Davis).HerclosestalliesareIzogie (Lashana Lynch), a veteran who trains one of the Agojie's newest recruits, Nawi, and Amenza (SheilaAtim),aseerwiththeleangrace of a gazelle and a devastating talent with a javelin (Thuso Mbedu).

The fact that the scene is about more than just asskicking elevates it (although the fight choreography is exemplary and the action is a technical triumph). The Woman King dares to address uncomfortable issues while giving its cast the chancetofullydeveloptheirroles. It tackles and questions the role played by some African people, including the Dahomey, in the enslavement of others. It is about overcoming trauma. A thunderously cinematic good time is guaranteed if you watch it on the largest screen you can locate.

We should all be feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi, talks about the stages in her life that she felt were unfair to her and women in general. Like the class tradition that had the person with the highest scores be the hall monitor, but when she got the highest scores, the teacher appointed a boy. And when she gave a worker a tip, he in turn showed gratitude to the boy standing next to her because ‘he is a man’ and apparently in the worker's mind, only men can have money.

A striking part of this book is basically the whole thing. This is the only nonfiction book you might willingly read, such a convincing essay on feminism. You will also fall in love with how the author doesn’t blame this issue on men and has sympathy for men too. She said that if we, both genders, can change our perspective on many things, feminism to be specific, then our future kids can be happier, that they can be freer, and they don’t have to listen to gender expectations.

Seffi Atta captures the plight of African women in this brilliant write-up. Set in the post-colonial era, Everything Good Will Come tells the story of Enitan and the different muddles she encounters as she matures, ranging from but not limited to family problems, cheating boyfriends, imprisonment, and rape, which mold her into the woman she becomes. Enitan is forced to grow up as an only child after the death of her brother under the strict guardianship of her overprotective parents' political and religious beliefs. While trying to find herself amidst all the chaos, fate throws her in the path of sassy and rebellious Sheri, and together they form a chaotic pair. Seffi writes the story of both girls; one who is set to bend the system while the other is prepared to break it. Written in the voice of Enitan, Everything Good Will Come tells the story of love, politics, prejudice, and friendship.

Thank you to the writer for her time and well thought out speech, which has been translated into a short story.

SeFi Atta Everything Good Will Come

Sandy spins a tale of a feeling as old as time, one that is second nature to every creature that walkstheearth:love.Theprotagonist of this novel, Lisa, is a career-oriented girl with a Christian upbringing. With the help of her friends, she is able to build a blogging career against her father’s wishes. Like every other girl, she dreams of a fairytale romance,butwhenshefinallygets into a relationship with her fellow Christian brother, he can’t seem to sate her fantasies. Fate must be playing a cruel game because Sly, who is not a Christian, seems to be ticking all the boxes. Sandy’s masterpiece is a beautiful blend of satire, humor, irony, and vivid description, which she uses to completely capture the attention of the audience.

Tems

First Female Nigerian to win a Grammy Award and bank an Oscar nomination

Viola Davis

she is the sole African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting As well as the third person to achieve both statuses.She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017, and in 2020, The New York Times ranked her ninth on its list of the greatest actors of the 21st century.

Chimamanda Ngozi

She was described in The Times Literary Supplement as "the most prominent" of a "procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors [which] is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature", particularly in her second home, the United States.

See Who is Trending

Angela Bassett

She also played Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black PantherAvengers and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). She won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first actor in a Marvel movie to win a Golden Globe Award and be nominated for an Academy Award.

Letitia Wright

Popularly known as Shuri in the Marvel city universe film “ Black Panther” Letitia instantly became character you can't forget in a hurry

Libianca

Known for her song “ People” which broke out on all music streaming platforms and debuted at number two on Billboard Afrobeat. Libianca is definitelyawomanonthemove we should watch out for.

Marsai Martin

At the age of 13, she became executive producer of the film “Little”, making her the youngest person to ever produce a movie, as well as the youngest AfricanAmerican producer.

Hon,Emma Theofelus

Emma Inamutila Theofelus is a Namibian politician, currently serving as deputy minister of Information, Communication andTechnology.Sheisthecurrentyoungest woman government minister in both Africa and Namibia, and she was just 23 years old at the time of her appointment in March 2020.

Bring East Africa under your roof with Nyama Choma

Indulge your taste buds on your next BBQ party this summer, featuring Nyama Choma. No, we’re not talking about “slow boys” (snails) — as the expression “nyama” will easily bring up that image in the mind of some West Africans. Nyama Choma is an East African meal; it is barbecued meat, from the meaning of its name, but hey! This is no ordinary BBQ as you know it, the marinade is what gives the recipe that extra flavour and the respect it deserves.

We got the ultimate Nyama Choma recipe thanks to Kate Hahnel of “We Eat At Last”. She chose goat meat as her nyama. You can use lamb, mutton or beef ifyoudon’tdogoat.Justfollowher steps.

Ingredients

5.5 lbs goat meat (approximately 2.5kgs)

10 cloves garlic

1 bulb whole garlic cut across in the middle

1 red or white onion large

1 lemon juice

⅓ piece ginger

½ cup extra virgin olive oil or preferred cooking oil

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoon ground paprika

1 tablespoon salt

2 stock cubes

6 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 bird-eye chillies deseeded

¾ tablespoon salt

Steps for the Grill Method

1. In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, stock cubes, rosemary, and chilli. Use a food processor or blender, to save on time but take care not to process it too much. It should still retain some texture.

2. Place the meat in a large bowl and toss it with half of the marinade. Set the other marinade aside, to be used in basting the nyama choma.

3. Use a knife to make slits 2 inches or 5 cm apart on the goat leg and massage the marinade into the meat, making sure to also cover the slits. Cover the meat with aluminium foil and allow to marinate overnight or for at least for 2 hours.

4. Remove the marinated goat meat from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for at least an hour, before setting it on the barbecue. During this time, prepare your grill and set it to high. Cover your grill with ashes if using a charcoal grill, to prevent it from getting too hot.

5. Grill the meat on high for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until it attains a proper colour then transfer to a triple layer of foil paper.

6. Place two sprigs of rosemary and the bulb of garlic on top of the goat leg. Cover the meat loosely with foil so it resembles a tent.

7. Set it on a baking tray or grilling rack, transfer to the barbe-

cue grill then cover the lid, trying to maintain the temperature at medium-low or between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit . Grill at medium-low for one and a half hours, turning from time to time.

8. Once the time is up, mix the honey with 2-3 tablespoons of hot water.Uncoverthemeatandbaste it with the honey glaze. Continue to grill for a further 15-30 minutes or until the desired brownness has been achieved and the juices run clear, or it has an internal temperature of at least 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a tray and allow it to rest for 10-20 minutes before carving. Nyama choma is mainly served with ugali, a cornmeal porridge.

10. If you’d like to try out Nyama Choma, and would like to go with goat meat, Kate can give you some tips for a good marinade. Visit weeatatlast.com/the-ultimate-nyama-choma-recipe.

by Ramses Wato

Asking The Right Questions Before Jumping To ‘WE DO’

We’ve watched a lot of people suffer the aftermath of not knowing their genotypes before saying ‘I DO’, but worst of all we’ve watched their kids pay for their ignorance. Sometimes we meet the right person after searching for so long and we’re so caught up in planning the perfect future with them that we forget to do the needful, we don’t ask the right questions. In my opinion the perfect first date questions should be; ‘are you up to date with your medical check ups?, 'what is your genotype’?Does your family have a hereditary disease I should be concerned about? They may not be conversation starters but it is important to get your facts straight before getting into a serious relationship. But we don’t ask these questions, we get so carried away in the bliss that is love and before we know it we’re married and then BOOM! baby number one is here and there’s no going back.

If you are lucky and your angel hasn’t been sleeping on his job, then your negligence doesn’t cost you. However,if you’re not so fortunate then your kids are most likely among the 5% of the world’s population who are carriers of the gene for sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an

inherited blood disorder marked by defective hemoglobin. It inhibits the ability of hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen. Sickle cells tend to stick together, blocking small blood vessels causing painful and damaging complications.

Sickle cell disease is a teamwork meaning, the genes come in pairs, one set inherited from the mother andtheotherfromthefather.This usually happens when both parents are ‘carriers’ of the sickle cell genes or one parent has the sickle cell disease and the other is a carrier. There are six common blood genotypes in humans and only four out of these six are compatible.

Genotype AA is the universally compatible genotype that is, regardless of who they partner with, there is no possibility of them birthing a child with the sickle cell disease. The genotype AS is a carrier of the sickle cell traitmeaningtheydonothavethe sickle cell disease like the genotype SS, but carry the genes of the disease. Genotypes that carry an (S) for example AS, SC, SS are not compatible with each other.

In the past,treatment for sickle cell anemia was usually aimed at

avoiding pain episodes, relieving symptoms and preventing complications. However, these methods of treatment do not cure sickle cell disease. As of now, stem cell or bone marrow transplants are the only known cures for sickle cell disease. Stem cells from a healthy donor are given through a dripintothevein.Thisisanintensive treatment that carries a number of risks, the main being a graft versus host disease; which is a life threatening problem where the transplanted cells start attacking the other cells in your body. Not to mention that this procedure is extremely expensive to carry out.

The Nigerian Netflix movie ‘ STRAIN’ shows the extent to which sickle cell affects not just the patient but the family at large. Experience and research have shown that people with the sickle cell disease tend to have a shorter life span and even then, they live on drugs and in pain.

So before you say ‘I DO’, do you know your genotype? It takes a second to know your blood genotype and save your children a lifetime of pain that comes with sickle cell disease.

FABAFRIQ

by Nancy Shiti

Till I Run Out Of Love

by: Daniel Ambe

Love should be the happiest feeling in anyone's lives. And loving a person should be the best thing that happens to anyone. Despite the hurt and challenges that come with it. But unfortunately, not being able to be with someone you love can equally be the worst feeling ever. And there exist several reasons as to the background of this feeling. It could be: fear of being hurt, lack of trust, the other person doesn't feel the same or because of consent. But in my case, it was health, the most unexpected reason. One beyond my control, one which therapy couldn't change.

There he stood, beautiful smile, curly hair, gracious laugh, heaven blue eyes and in all shades of perfection and particles of every thing good.

It was a Saturday morning in June of 2021. We had just come out of the park where we spoke about raising a family and where our home would be. Deep within, I knew it would

dures were done on me and then blood transfusion processes. I saw myself taking 10-11 pills of medicines each day. There were so many that even an ODD person would feel sorry for me. Few weeks later I was due for a bone transplant. I felt over, I was done for. I had only heard about this from health education programs but here I was. Thoughts of how I might soon die or if I would ever find love for me.

But they gave me hope, told me I could have a family and they

would walk me through it. "You're not alone" was the mantra I carried till I got older. And yes the procedures paid off, the pain in the joints lessened, I still experienced dizziness, fatigue,lowoxygenbutIfeltstronger; I was stronger. What felt like a curse turned out to be a blessing as I was able to inspire others to be better. They saw a reason to be stronger because this wasn't a curse as I showed. It was just another fever that required medication.

"Sarah…, Sarah!" as I snapped back into reality. And there we were sitting at the hospital lobby. I lookedatthismanthatIhadloved morethanmyselfandIfeltbroken and then he said "I have something to tell you". I said "me too, but go on babe". Thenhebegan…"babe,Iwasborn with sickle cell but…" With those words, a tear dropped and I, this time, stood up and walked away…

Touring Africa Through Abena's Lens

by Ngufack Atemgwa

Travel for many years was considered the ‘white man’s thing’. In addition to the huge expenses it required, schools had often inculcated in many the idea that tourists had from time immemorialbeenthoselivingontheEuropean and American continents. Truly, a man is only as knowledgeable as what he reads.

Today, however, the dynamics are changing fast. Europe and America were once considered the most popular travel destinations, partly thanks to the influence of movies and music videos that glorified the cities. And then came the Middle East; Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. While the Middle East remains a popular tourist destination, the African continent and Africans have been upping their game.

More and more Africa-based Africans are living and experiencing their continent, making fond memories and leaving trails in the sands of time.

Sandy Abena is arguably one of the most travelled home-based Africans of her generation. From the cosiest hotels to the rarely visited suburbs, the glamorous sandy beaches and car rides, as well as the rocky bike trips, she has seen them all.

The lassin 2021, launched a travel vlog, aiming to visit ten African countries within the space of ten months.Heraim,shesaid,was“to share the richness of Africa and show the other side of the continent.”

Sandy’s exploits and thirst for

knowledge have given her a front-row seat to the amazing sites, rituals and practices of the different peoples that make up Africa and the Caribbean. To her, it remains the most viable way to accumulate the lessons which, hitherto, had been limited to books and movies.

She states: “I learn every day about Afro-culture and its history. Since the truth is not only found in books, I do everything to travel as much as possible in Africa and countries of Afro-descendants”.

Like many other great ventures and catalogues, Sandy started small. Today, she inspires her peers and many other generations of Africans who have the desire to know beyond books. She is their living library.

by Shiti NANCY

Parenting The Good, The Bad & The Nasty

The ideal African girl child is expected to be well-groomed and cocooned. Protected from the distraction of men before they come of age to marry. Pressure mounts once at the age of maturity, which has varied over time with a history of child marriages and in recent times old age marriage of the educated female child. It is not uncommon for young girls to be questioned at each turn, as to when they would be getting married. The story of having a child is another dark trench to trail. It is funny how these questions come across as if there’s a standby market for husband purchases. Guess what, the elderly females in the society are those pushing forward this agenda. Always ready to probe, and criticise. An act that has seen many young ladies rebelling and taking a wayward turn in their lives. We like to believe that every single mom’s story tends to follow either one of these three different patterns.

The Good

The good single mom doesn’t have it all going for her contrary to popular belief. She got pregnant at a young age, had to jump through hoops, and cry herself to sleep sometimes but got her happy ending eventually; she found a man who accepted her and her kids as his own. We term them the lucky ones because she found her light at the end of the tunnel. She has her dark days too, you can’t have it all. But she’s not doing the heavy lifting on her own.

The Bad

This bad in our books represents the divorcee. She started with a wonderful family filled with love and laughter. Then one day things went south and life was never the same again. Raising kids in a brokenhomeisanythingbutblissful so she’s got a lot on her plate. A good number of single parents stem from divorces. Not marrying the right person plays a big role in thelifeofchildren;butthenagain, life happens.

The Nasty

This is your typical single mom, she got the deal breaker without the happiness ever after. She got pregnant at a young age, had to go through the five stages of trauma, and still has her head held high. In our books, she's the strongest of them all. She has her struggles, still trying to navigate life for herself, and still has self-doubt most of the time but she never lets the burden weigh down on her kids.

“Single motherhood is not an easy nut to crack and striking the balance between being a breadwinner and taking care of your children is never easy. The family structurerequiresbothamaleand a female presence for a child’s emotional and psychological growth.Whosaysitcan’tbedone? But there’s always going to be this looming disconnect that has nothing to do with gender”- Vivian

Kukah

One out of ten African women is a struggling solo mother (widowed, divorced, single) who can barely get by on the little income they receive. As if the financial burden is not strenuous enough, they get

stigmatised, abused to some extent, and shunned. If they’re not married then they are bad eggs for getting pregnant out of wedlock. If they are divorced, then they can’t even keep a man, if they’re widowed then there’s probably some bad omen attached to it. The average African single mother is condemned to suffer because she can’t raise a child without a father figure or at least so they think. That however, is one side of the coin, not every single mother is doomed to a life of misery even as a teenager. You could have supportive parents and a partner who sticks around for the baby, you don’t need to be romantically involved to raise a kid. An ever-present father who is ready to pay child support will do the trick. Unfortunately, we can’t all be that lucky. We fall prey to some men who pop in and out just to destabilise the little stability we have managed to maintain for ourselves and the child, with unstainable promises and actions.

The 21st-century woman has however refused to be stereotyped, she has denied the narrative that the solo mother can’t do it alone. She is changing the narrative, writing her own story, and raising brilliant kids. The single mother today is a boss lady raising five amazing kids and building an empire while at it. She is at the top of her game, leading every business meeting and still managing to be present at every PTA and making each birthday more memorable than the last. Sheisleadingatribewhilemaking pancakes and waffles for her toddler; she is beating the odds. It doesn’t have to start well to end well but trust the process you will get there eventually.

Strategic African Women In Leadership (SAWIL)

Celebrating Pioneers of Transformation, Gender Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

20 countries participated in the 2022/2023

Congratulationstoallthewinners. SAWIL has as its core mission, to empower and advance women in leadership, and is continuously working to ensure that the network of like-minded professionalshasthetoolsandresources to succeed.

6. Brenda Shey Elung, Vice President: #Cameroon Film Industry & Head of Procurement: Sonara #Cameroon

7. Sepo L. Head of Commercial Banking: FNB Namibia

8.KushathaChilisaHeadofEnterprise and Supply Chain Development Absa Group Bank #Botswana.

9. Horore BELL BEBGA EdTech Entrepreneur: African Women In Tech - AWIT- #Cameroon

10. Judith Estelle Bayiha, Managing Director: AGENCE NETTER #Nigeria

The Corporate Awards

Benchmarking Your Corporate Stories

The Corporate Awards (TCA) by FabAfriq Media Group has been a platform for organisations to receive global recognition for exceptional services rendered. From its conception over 8 years ago, the Corporate Awards has played an instrumental role in shining the spotlight on organisations with outstanding performances, policies, and celebrating excellence in people management.

In 2022, the awards was held under the theme ‘Benchmarking Your Corporate Story’. As usual, there were two parts of the award categories; Internal Research and People’s Choice, with one being purely online and the other active commitment from participating companies. An additional engagement was outsourced to an independent research firm to conduct the internal research process thereby liaising with participating companies to collate data relevant

for the set categories.

On the other hand, an independent voting platform was created to allow both the public and nominated companies to vote for their people's choice award. The winners were then awarded on the day of the event which took place on the 11th of November 2022.

There were five different categories in the People’s Choice awards; Employer of Choice, Customer Service, Innovation, Health, Safety & Environment, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Internal research had the following categories; Innovation and Adaptability, Employer of Choice, Customer Service, Workplace Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Health-Safety & Environment, Corporate Social Responsibility,

ty.

The Award recognized companies creating and maintaining a positive working relationship between organisations and their employees looking beyond corporate culture and the extent to which organisations seek to be resolution focused.

Investment In People

In as much as customer satisfaction is top priority for all organisations, investment in staff development is equally of utmost importance. This category appreciated companies upgrading employees with knowledge, skills and competence they need to perform their jobs effectively. Based on internal research, Huawei emerged winner in this category.

Gender Equality

Gender disparity is a constant and unwavering problem in our society today. Roles of higher value like managerial positions tend to be attributed to men. This category recognised companies that offer growth opportunities withinthecompanywithoutracial nor gender discrimination. Ecobank was celebrated a the winner in this category for their lack of partiality.

Employer of Choice

There is a common notion in the corporate society, whereby employees are aware that their employers only care about the

services they offer rather than their wellbeing. This category was awarded to companies with an edge on employee satisfaction, are innovative, provide equal opportunities at work, invest in staff development, have excellent customer service and contribute to community development. Based on the people’s choice, Prudential Beneficial Insurance emerged winners of this category and based on internal research, Nestle was the victor.

Employee Relations

‘To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace’ Doug Conant. The employer-employee relationship is essential in every business environment for the betterment of the organisation. This category recognised positive efforts made by organisations to cement strong relations with their staff ranging from industrial relations across large sectionsoftheworkforceorinthe management of disputes involving individuals. This category was awarded to Spectra for excellent employer-employee relations.

Innovations and Adaptability

‘Innovation only happens when there is diverse thinking’. This category celebrates companies that foster growth by consistently developing new and interesting products/concepts. Both Mav!ance and CCMM met the

requirementsforthiscategoryand thus emerged winners.

Health, Safety & Responsibility

This category acknowledged companies who have implemented rules and legislations that address ergonomics and other aspects of workplace safety through effective occupational and environmental management practices. This category saw Gaz du Cameroun and Cotco emerge victorious.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Giving back to the community is a commendable practice. This category was awarded to companies who engaged their departments in CSR initiatives. This category was subdivided into; governmental initiatives, community engagement and employee involvement. The winners of this category were MTN Cameroun, and BGFI Bank.

CSR & Business Sustainability

This category, recognises and applauds companies blending the triple bottom line pillars of a sustainable business towards greater return on investment. Those organisations who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice, to promote vital resources for an eco friendly environment. IHS emerged a winner in this category.

Customer Service

‘The customer is always right’, is a slogan easier preached than practised. This category acknowledged companies who had implemented the aforementioned policy and diligently served the customers, placing their needs as priority. The Award was handed to Activa and Blessing Petroleum for exceptional customer service.

As tradition holds, the board of directors celebrate a change agent for exceptional work each year. This is purely based on observation and appreciation for community engagement and unwavering efforts towards a common goal.

The former CEO of Hysacam, Michel Ngapanoun was recognised for diligence in service and hard work, resilience towards an environment where environmental issues are still in its baby steps. Hysacam, being the only company in the nation in charge of waste disposal, must be celebrated and encouraged at different levels.

This is a wrap for 2022, kick starting TCA in early 2023 in bothe Ghana and Cameroon, email hello@thecorporateawards.com to be a part of this. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all those who took part. Remember it is never about winning, but about being intentional.

Visit www.thecorporateawards.com to find out more